Amelia Welch

Case study

PALS Leader in BSc Marine Biology

I wanted to be a PALS
leader firstly because I really gained from the scheme in my first year and
wanted to offer the support that I had received. I have gained confidence
in being able to plan and hold sessions. Within the sessions it was really rewarding
being able to give advice and support to the first years, and it allowed me to
talk to and make friends with peers in different cohorts and years. It has
encouraged me to think about learning more creatively, and reflect on my
personal learning strategies. Being able to discuss ideas with the first years
has allowed me to broadened my own knowledge and think of innovative
approaches.

Through PALS I also
carried out some research and presented my poster at the British Conference of
Undergraduate Research, which again was an invaluable experience. The PALS
team, Carolyn and Beau, were very supportive and guided me through the process.

The skills I have
gained will definitely benefit me in future studies and employment. I plan on
undertaking a post graduate degree, and I feel the initiative, organisational
and learning skills PALS has given me will be especially valuable. I have been
able to work with my peers to come up with solutions, which has allowed me to
gain critical thinking skills. As well as this I now feel that I can
confidently talk and present to a group of people, a task that was very
daunting before becoming a PALS leader.